The Ochoco National Forest is seeking comments on a proposal to revise the

Ochoco Wild and Free Roaming Herd Management Plan, and sent a Scoping Letter to the public that is vague and doesn’t state the proposed Appropriate Management Level (AML), the number of wild horses and burros that will be allowed to remain on this HMA. (The current AML is 55-65 wild horses – not allowing a high enough number to be viable ).

We’re asking YOU help save these horses and send in comments to the Forest Service requesting the AML be set at a viable herd number. In order to have a viable herd number, the Forest Service needs to set an AML of a minimum of 150-200 horses, including 50 breeding age adults. Also, please ask for a genetically sustainable herd. The Forest Service is doing genetic augmentation, so ask them to provide the public with all research and documentation for genetic augmentation, since their management decisions have included this.

On this show you’ll learn more about how COWHC is currently trying to preserve the current 130 or so wild horses currently on the Big Summit HMA, about 30 miles east of Prineville, Oregon. Check out the COWHC facebook page HERE for the latest updates. COWHC is boots on the ground and provides one of the most accurate herd inventories in the nation, annually bringing a cadre of about 80 volunteers to count these wild horses on their turf. They also work on on-the-ground improvements like water developments, forage improvements, fence removal and other projects.

Public comments for this plan for Big Summit wild horses are due by July 21, 2017 and can be submitted by email

Commenters should be aware before including their address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in their comment, that their entire comment – including identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While they can ask BLM in their comment to withhold personal identifying information from public review, BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so. Anonymity is not allowed for submissions from organizations or businesses and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses.